I haven't forgotten about this story! I'm determined to finish it this year, so feel free to hold me to it, anyone out there who is still (hopefully) reading! If anyone needs more info on who Frederick is, remember to check back on my previous story, A Suitor for Morgana. Or just ask me. ;) Hope everyone's holidays were lovely!

They set out the next morning, the tension palpable between them all. Arthur had decided to go on the rescue mission without consulting his father, as Merlin thought he would. The prince led the group, with Morgana close behind, but still not within comfortable conversation reach. Mithian stayed close to Morgana, with Frederick and Merlin bringing up the rear. A few more trusted knights, such as Sir Leon, tagged along as well.

"Well, we make a pleasant bunch," Frederick muttered to Merlin.

"And this is only the beginning," Merlin said, raising his eyebrows and attempting to hold back a chuckle. "Have you met her before?"

"Mithian? Surprisingly, no. But I've heard of her. Her father has always been at odds with Cenred."

"Well, aren't we all," Merlin commented, with a slight eye roll.

"Very true. You know, I met Cenred once at a jousting tournament."

This perked the young warlock's interest. "Really?"

"I did. Went up against him for one round. He fell right on his rear. I've never seen such a sore loser walk out of the arena."

Merlin let out a loud guffaw, earning him a searing look from Mithian.

"Oops, we've offended her royal highness, it would appear."

"Shh, she'll hear you," Merlin whispered.

"You know, I can hear you," Mithian's voice rang out. Her voice was lilting and musical, just as a princess's voice should sound.

"We beg your pardon, Princess Mithian," Frederick said patronizingly.

Mithian seemed to purposely slow her horse's pace. "You know, you're exactly how I imagined you would be, Prince Frederick."

"Oh, and what's that, m'lady?"

"A boring tease who thinks he's funnier than he actually is."

"Really? Well, at least you're talking to me now. If you like, I can tell you how I imagined you to be, Princess. It's a tad bit more flattering."

Casting an indignant look his way, Mithian chose to ignore his comment and turned her flushed cheeks straight ahead, with no further comment.

"Hmm, it was a good try, don't you think?" Frederick said, smirking at Merlin.

Merlin shook his head and fought back a chuckle. "I think it's a lost cause."

"Maybe so. You and I both know how that goes, I believe."

Merlin inwardly grimaced. Frederick was referring to his previous attachment to Morgana. They had been briefly engaged a few years back, until Frederick realized her feelings for Merlin, and vice versa. They had all parted as friends, but Merlin knew it must have stung Frederick's pride.

"I don't believe the Lady Morgana has even looked my way yet today," Frederick said, significantly lowering his voice.

"Join the club," Merlin responded, the light fading in his deep blue eyes. "She's not back, not really. She never planned on staying."

"You shouldn't let her go so easily."

"Really? You did." Merlin immediately regretted his snappy comeback. "I…I'm sorry."

"No, you're right. But honestly, it was only to give you a fair shot. Plus I wasn't all that comfortable being married to someone who was secretly pining for someone else."

"I wish I could…" Merlin let his words hang in the frigid morning air.

"Wish you could what?"

Merlin cast a furtive look around them to make sure they weren't within hearing range. "I wish I could run away with her…to, well…anywhere she'd like. But I have an obligation to Arthur. If I leave him, what's my destiny then?"

Frederick looked puzzled for a minute. "Hold on, I know you have...I won't say it out loud…but what's with this obligation of yours to Arthur? Maybe you're taking this manservant thing a little too far."

"Right, I forgot you don't know everything. Let's just say, I have this gift for a reason, and I've been…told…that one of its purposes is to protect and help Arthur become the king he was meant to be."

"That's a lot of pressure, don't you think?"

"You're telling me," Merlin sighed.

Frederick paused briefly before speaking again.

"Do you love her?"

Merlin jumped slightly, feeling the sweat bead on his forehead even though frost was still present on the ground. "Say it louder, would you?" he snapped.

"No one heard. Do you?"

Merlin licked his chapped lips, feeling slightly more uncomfortable voicing his thoughts rather than merely thinking them. "I…sometimes….I wish…"

"Come on, Merlin. It's me you're talking to. Nothing to worry about."

"Yes. You happy now?" Merlin said miserably.

"At least you're being honest. Don't fool yourself into living a lie, Merlin. I'm not telling you how to live your life, but you haven't been yourself these past few months while she's been gone. I would hate to see you look back and regret the chance you didn't take."

They traveled in silence the rest of the way, but Merlin pondered Frederick's words, and cast furtive looks Morgana's way when he thought she wasn't looking.

For once, it would be nice if something worked out for a change.